Seeds, Sowing, Thinning-out, and Transplanting. 1 19 



have been long in favour of itself proves that they have some 

 sterling merit or growers, being free to choose, would have 

 discarded them long ago. 



Novelties should be tried, but on a small scale only, and never 

 for the main crop ; by this means the gardener can keep well 

 informed regarding new varieties without risking his crop. 



Seed Testing. A simple way to test the seed for percentage 

 of germinative power is as follows : Put upon a plate a folded 

 piece of flannel, damped with warm water, and upon the flannel 

 put a counted number of seeds. Stand the plate in a warm 

 dark place and keep the flannel damp. In a short time (from 

 one to several days, according to the variety) those containing 

 life will sprout, and can then be counted. At the same time it 

 should be remembered that this is no test of the actual number 

 which will have strength to grow into good plants when sown 

 under ordinary conditions in the open garden or field. In such 

 circumstances there will be many losses through weakness, 

 besides those which will occur through too deep or too shallow 

 planting, too great extremes of temperature or moisture, or 

 for many other reasons. 



The Seed Bed. Before seeds are sown it is necessary to 

 properly prepare the soil for their reception. A sufficient 

 amount of warmth, moisture, and air are the requisites of 

 germination, and these conditions can best be provided when 

 the surface soil is fine and powdery and free from large lumps. 

 When it is rough and cloddy some of the small seeds fall 

 into crevices or are buried under large pieces, and either fail 

 to germinate or do so very irregularly. Heavy soil should be 

 prepared some time beforehand, especially when intended for 

 small seeds, so that the action of the weather, and particularly 

 of frost, will have the chance to produce a tilth which no 

 amount of labour can equal. In any case, the surface of the 

 soil intended for seeds should be moved about with the hoe, 

 rake or harrow before sowing, as seeds germinate better in 

 freshly worked soil than in that which has lain long undis- 

 turbed. This stirring breaks any cap which may have formed, 

 introduces air, dries the surface, and makes the soil warmer. 



